Sugarcane farmers from Homa Bay and Migori counties in Kenya staged a protest against Sukari Industry Ltd, a miller, for failing to collect harvested sugarcane due to a drivers' strike. The strike, which has lasted for two weeks, has left hundreds of acres of sugarcane drying in farms. The drivers are demanding better remuneration, citing that their current pay of Sh39 per ton of sugarcane is insufficient.
The drivers, represented by Jim Otieno, claim that their monthly earnings are as low as Sh2000, prompting them to demand a salary of Sh21,000 or better terms. The strike has paralyzed the collection of sugarcane from farmers in Migori and Homa Bay counties. Farmers are now incurring huge losses as their sugarcane dries in farms due to the delay in collection.
Raphael Owino, chairman of the farmers, expressed concern that the delay in collecting the sugarcane will lead to significant financial losses. He noted that dry sugarcane has no weight, and farmers are paid per ton, which will result in reduced earnings. The farmers had harvested their sugarcane expecting it to be transported to Sukari Industry Ltd in Ndhiwa West Sub-county.
Peter Ogalo, chairman of sugarcane farmers in the Kobodo area, stated that farmers are struggling with huge bills and the stalemate is a serious violation of their economic rights. He urged Sukari Industry management to end the strike and start transporting the sugarcane to the firm. Ogalo emphasized that growing sugarcane to maturity is a challenging task, and the current situation is distressing.
Deborah Omondi, a farmer, expressed concern that her children are unable to attend school due to lack of school fees, and she is also unable to pay her SHA subscription. She appealed to the government to intervene in the matter, citing the adverse impact on their livelihoods. The farmers are seeking government intervention to cushion them from the economic losses.
Paul Agin, a farmer, stated that the problem is affecting their livelihoods and appealed to the government to look into the matter. The farmers are seeking a resolution to the strike to ensure that their sugarcane is collected and transported to Sukari Industry Ltd. The situation has caused significant distress to the farmers, who are now facing financial difficulties.
The strike has highlighted the challenges faced by farmers and drivers in the sugarcane industry in Kenya. The farmers and drivers are seeking a mutually beneficial solution to the impasse. The government has been urged to intervene to resolve the matter and mitigate the economic losses suffered by the farmers.
Key points
- Sukari Industry drivers' strike causes sugarcane to dry in farms, leading to financial losses for farmers.
- Drivers demand better remuneration, citing low earnings of Sh39 per ton of sugarcane.
- Farmers appeal to the government to intervene in the matter to cushion them from economic losses.
